USA Track & Field decided that either a run-off or coin toss would break the dead heat that occurred between Allyson Felix and Jeneba Tarmoh in the 100 meter dash at the Olympic trials on Saturday, but Justin Gatlin has another idea.

“They could have let them decide by wrestling in Jell-O. That would be OK.’’

Unfortunately for Gatlin, who won the men's 100-meter sprint to qualify for the Olympic team, officials have decided on a much less physical solution, though one that could be taxing.

Gatlin doesn't like the idea of a run-off.

"I think Jeneba is a great young talent and Allyson Felix is a darling of the sport," Gatlin told ESPN. "The plight we have here is that not only are they great runners who put a lot of heart out there, they're coached by the same guy and they're training partners.

"They're both great 200-meter runners as well, so why put them in a situation where they have to run against each other in a real race when they run almost every day against each other? They have to prepare for the 200. They have a whole field that's ready to go out and make the field in the 200, too, so that's not fair to them."

Both women are entered to run in the 200-meter sprint on Saturday and would have a chance to make the Olympic team with a top-3 finish. If USA Track & Field officials wait until after Saturday, their tie-breaker could be moot.

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22 Comments:

Both should go to the Olympic. A tie is a tie. It is what it is. It's not fair to eliminate one over the other because they came across the line at the exact moment together. Both ladies were striffing to beat the other and history has said it's piece.

both are great athletes in 100 and 200-meter.PLEASE just let them focus on the 200-meter!if that rule was already established before this tie then proceed on with that rule!if not then Allyson Felix and Jeneba show advance on to London with no hesitation!!!

It is hard to believe that a world class organization did not already have a handle on this matter before the race.It is simple and clear since they (the committee)cannot change the 3 person rule or get permission from a highter ruleing group,both should go , because both have already qualified.The WINNER of this race would have became the third and finale person, therefore it should not be on the runners to fix the matter but on the commitee and and other rule makers to fix the matter. Amend the rules send four or whatever they came up with , anything other than forcing the runners to fix thier mess up or oversight. It is unfair to both runners . The runners have done thier part and do have other races to run as well. The oversight is not on them so they should not be used or asked to fix the matter.

Justin would not ask his mom and his aunt to degrade themselfs,and he should not disrespect those young ladies .Would he ask the same of his daugther or sister. He has already belittle himself .He needs to apolizise for his insulting remark.

Justin Gatlin should have been persona non grata in track & field. He is a disgrace to the sport, and now by his stupid comments has confirmed that he is also classless. I have zero confidence in any time that he posts, as there is always the suspicion that he is not clean! Instead of remaining humble, he comes out with his usual ignorant self and would like everyone to forget the shame that he brought to our country.

Don't forget about the 4x100! I'm not 100% sure, but can't the US olympic team can register up to 6 participants for that event? If you have a quality group, you can rest your top runners and have them a little more fresh for the finals. I've watched the olympics and have watched races where certain runners did not participate in the early rounds.

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out(write it) and remove all doubt." Some of these comments are crazy!

Justin should just remain quiet, run (do it clean), and let the others handle how or who should be the third female to participate in the 100 meter race in London.

I think that Gatlin's comment was meant as a joke--an inappropriate one, but a joke nonetheless.

I also think that a run-off is not in the best interests of the athletes at this time. They both need to concentrate on the 200m. Those who have run track before know that this race takes different preparation than the 100m does, and the governing body should not usurp this training time to fix a problem that they should have anticipated long ago. I think a possible solution is to look at the qualifying times at the trials and use those as the tiebreaker. The faster aggregate qualifying times gets the nod. Any thoughts?

Justin Gaitlin shame on you. I bet anything you wouldn't ask your mother, sister, grandmother,nor your aunt to degrade themselves in such an event. Who died and made you king? Both women should participate in the olympics. both are excellent athletes. Fair-play is fair-play. Do you think?

A very tough one to call. I also say they both make the team on the 4 X 100. Justin is cool. He was just having a little fun. Give him a break. As one blogger said, they are all friends and probably have never given this a second thought.